Renan Barao was able to defend his interim bantamweight championship for the first time with a fourth round submission over Michael McDonald.

The UFC went ahead with the interim title as current champion Dominick Cruz remains out with an ACL injury. His first surgery, over a year ago, didn’t work. Barao is waiting for Cruz’s return to unify the titles.

“I feel great,” said Barao post-fight through a translator. “This is a result of all the hard work for my family. I feel great and I’m waiting for you, Dominick Cruz. Please comeback quick.”

It is not known when, or if, Cruz will be able to return.

Barao continued that he spent the whole winter training in Rio, including the Christmas holiday and the results showed in his performance.